National Assembly Committee unveils Charter for 2018 Wales and Borders rail franchise
11 December 2013
A National Assembly Committee has produced a Charter which it believes should shape the future of the Wales and Borders rail franchise.
The Enterprise and Business Committee will be presenting the Charter to stakeholders in Hereford to highlight the importance of cross-border routes and services to the integrity and viability of the Wales and Borders franchise area as a whole.
The Committee wants to see passengers placed at the heart of the next franchise, due to begin in 2018.
While that may be some four years away, the Committee urges the Welsh Government to put in train now a series of actions to ensure the next franchise delivers improved services and value for money.
First, the Committee wants to see devolution of the necessary powers and requisite funding so that the Welsh Government is responsible for specifying and procuring the next Wales and Borders Franchise. There is a need to clarify this issue soon to allow progress on preparation for franchise procurement.
Secondly, the Welsh Government needs to ensure it has sufficient revenue and capital resources in place and staff with the required experience and specialist skills to develop and deliver the new franchise and the necessary rolling stock.
A rolling stock strategy needs to be developed as a matter of urgency to ensure pressing decisions on rolling stock compatibility for electrification and accessibility legislation are taken in good time to avoid the increased cost and disruption associated with delay.
Building on a previous report by the Committee on integrated public transport in Wales another recommendation calls for the franchise to be integrated with other public transport services including the proposed South Wales Metro and the bus network .
“We believe that there is a real opportunity for the Welsh Government to shape a service that will respond to the needs of passengers in the Wales and Borders area,” said Nick Ramsay AM, Chair of the Enterprise and Business Committee.
“By establishing strict requirements for stations, facilities and performance monitoring, as well as financial transparency regarding profits and subsidies, the next franchise has the potential to significantly improve rail services for passengers while delivering value for money.
“We also want to see a franchise which is integrated with other public transport services including the proposed South Wales Metro and bus infrastructure.
Among the key points set out in the Charter by the Committee are:
That the Welsh Government should continue to lobby the UK Government for the necessary powers and requisite funding to be devolved so that the Welsh Government is responsible for specifying and procuring the next Wales and Borders Franchise.
Ensure that the franchise clearly addresses the following:
Putting passenger needs at the heart of the next franchise.
The need for significant investment by the operator. This may best be facilitated by a longer franchise but only with effective performance monitoring and evaluation and appropriate break clauses to address underperformance.
Making the financial detail of the franchise more transparent by requiring the franchise operator to publish its investment and profit data as well as any subsidy received from Government.
Integration with other modes of transport, including the south east Wales Metro and the bus network.
Report: Future of the Wales and Borders Rail Franchise
More information about the Enterprise and Business Committee can be found here.